Daniel’s journey of heritage and discovery at the first Greek Youth Camp

·

By Daniel Milani

If you’ll indulge me, I am a classic new world coin which proudly shares Greek and Italian ancestry. Both are important but this time, when the coin was tossed it landed Greek. So, with equal measure of surprise and fortune, in September 2024 I’d be connecting with the Greek side.

I’ve always been more deeply rooted to my Greek side and was raised surrounded by my yiayia and pappou. Given the slightest opportunity, you can rely on my pappou to exclaim: ‘Greece number one.’ After attending the inaugural Greek Youth Camp to Athens, I share his sentiment. This was more than just a vacation, but rather a pilgrimage to a land that forms the cultural foundations of my heritage.

After acclimatising at our official accommodation, the Army Summer Resort in Agios Andreas, we commenced our dive into a busy but fun packed itinerary. My mother was particularly happy to have the support of the Greek army’s protection. Greek mothers hey, I’m sure you all understand.

Cultural activities included visiting the Acropolis, Delphi and Mycenae to an unforgettable day on the ferry visiting Poros, Hydra and Aegina. My love of American rap has now been augmented with Greek rap music. We also had the honour of listening to the legend himself, Giorgos Dalaras at the Herodion!

Attiki, with its warm Mediterranean air and historic streets, felt like stepping into a dream. I have seen pictures and heard stories from my grandparents, but I can now say that I’ve touched, tasted and breathed its intoxicating aroma.

The juxtaposition of ancient ruins and modern life, the bustling streets of Athens, and the laid-back coastal towns surrounding Attiki created a unique atmosphere that felt strangely alien yet familiar.

At Syntagma Square in Athens, the guards outside the Hellenic Parliament, with their traditional uniforms and solemn ceremonial movements, brought to life the stories I have heard about Greece’s long and proud history. History is important but it reminded me that I am now a custodian of this heritage, soon it will be my time to impart these stories. That’s why I’m here and why our leaders have so generously and graciously funded the trip. We are the future, members of a far-flung Hellenic diaspora to which the torch has been passed. On this day everyone seemed to have a deep connection to that shared past, but a commitment and tenacity to keep the flame burning.

Nafplio was a personal highlight. It was not what I expected, with its seafront promenade and Venetian era monuments, yes, the other side of my genetic coin. I was struck with how my Italian roots and various other influences shape such a unique town. Greece isn’t just Mykonos and the party islands, but so much more. A fact I wish to pursue while exploring Greece on future trips.

In what felt like two shakes of a donkey’s tail, our journey had ended. Greece no longer felt abstract and old. It felt like a second home—a place where my past and present could coexist.

Returning to Australia, I carry a deeper appreciation for my Greek heritage, and a renewed sense of pride. Visiting Attiki has allowed me to rediscover my roots in a way that books, stories, and pictures never can. It is the beginning of a lifelong relationship with a place that had always been a part of me. Memories no-one can erase and most importantly, ones I feel duty bound to share.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Magna Graecia – Part 4: From Colony to Colossus: Syracuse and Hellenism in Sicily

Syracuse (in present-day Sicily) was founded in 734 BCE by settlers from Corinth and Tenea, led by their oikist (founder), Archias.

Scam no more: Protecting what’s most important with Evan Frangos

Hailing from Ikaria, Greece, Evan is also a Certified Cryptocurrency Investigator, specialising in recovering funds lost to scams and hacks.

Upcoming Sydney lecture will explore the Greek Civil War in Greek literature

The Greek Orthodox Community of NSW (GOCNSW) will delve into the history of the Greek Civil War as presented in Greek literature.

Greek olive oil in Japan: Health, heritage and authenticity

At the Olive Japan International Olive Oil Competition, Greek olive oils earned 12 Gold Medals and 36 Silvers.

The Greek island tourists haven’t overrun

Unlike Santorini, which draws up to 3.4 million visitors annually, the island of Kea remains largely under the radar.

You May Also Like

Peter V’landys defends gambling practices and criticises parliamentary inquiry

Peter V'landys has responded to recent discussions about gambling regulation, defending the average bet on NRL games as modest.

Former cafe owner, Chris Tziomakis, in alleged baseball bat, machete brawl

A court has heard Chris Tziomakis was beaten with his own baseball bat and left with a broken nose after being involved in an alleged brawl.

Athens hosts first Greek Youth Diaspora Symposium

The Greek Foreign Ministry is hosting the inaugural Greek Youth Diaspora Symposium on November 27-28 at the Hellenic Cosmos cultural centre.